Super Bowl Weather 2014: Updated Forecast for Seahawks vs. Broncos

The forecast for Sunday, Feb. 2, has been in flux ahead of Super Bowl XLVIII between the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos, but the winter season will see temperatures dip and impact the game's outcome.

The winter weather in East Rutherford, N.J., should continue to create polarizing reactions about MetLife Stadium as the venue for the NFL's biggest event. Here is an overview of the latest weather information, courtesy of The Weather Channel:

Super Bowl XLVIII Updated Forecast

Daytime High

Nighttime Low

Chance of Precipitation at Night

50

32

50%

Source: The Weather Channel. Current as of Feb. 1

Legendary head coach and two-time Super Bowl champion Don Shula was rather befuddled as to why East Rutherford was the preferred setting, per ESPN New York's Ian O'Connor:

Why? That was pretty much my reaction. I certainly believe that when you get to a game of that magnitude, you want to play it in conditions where weather won't be or might not be something that affects the outcome. So that's why I think Miami, New Orleans, San Diego, all those warm-weather cities are the best cities for a game of that magnitude.

NFL Network's Albert Breer was already fed up with the weather hype several days ago:

How this saga plays out and how Mother Nature impacts the quality of what should be an epic matchup will go a long way in determining whether or not the league will come back to cold-weather outdoor venues in future Super Bowls.

Let's take a closer look at what the updated forecast means for each team, along with a fresh prediction as to who will win.

It's somewhat befuddling that the Broncos are still favored by 2.5 points despite the forecast. Yes, Denver has quarterback Peyton Manning and the top-ranked offense in the league, but Seattle's stacked defense is a No. 1 unit as well.

One stat that pops out is that the 15 previous defenses that allowed the fewest points during the regular season and made the Super Bowl compiled a 12-3 record, per the NFL on ESPN's official Twitter account:

Freezing temperatures could change the game's dynamic.

Passing the ball is more difficult in the cold, which figures to favor the Seahawks' style of offense that relies on a physical ground game led by running back Marshawn Lynch.

Plus, Seattle should be stronger than it has been all season since playmaking wide receiver Percy Harvin has been cleared to play well in advance of the big finale.

Manning relies on getting the ball out quickly as it is, and throwing deep will be difficult in MetLife Stadium with his waning arm strength. Even shorter passes will be challenging against the Seahawks' "Legion of Boom" secondary and their deep array of pass-rushers featuring Michael Bennett, Chris Clemons and Cliff Avril.

The 37-year-old legendary signal-caller couldn't consult his younger brother for help to prepare for this vaunted defense, per Newsday's Bob Glauber:

If a passing play breaks down for Seattle, QB Russell Wilson has the athleticism to escape and make plays with his legs—a luxury Denver doesn't have.

Lockdown cornerback Richard Sherman has the size and instincts to stay with Broncos No. 1 wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, along with safety help over the top from the All-Pro tandem of Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor.

The tactical approach should see defensive coordinator Dan Quinn play his two star safeties deep, send exotic blitzes at Manning utilizing hybrid fronts and deploy press coverage on the outside, with plenty of Cover 3 mixed in.

Seattle has the personnel to pull this off and at least match up well enough with the Broncos' weapons to have a chance. Not to mention, Manning historically struggles in the cold weather, per ESPN Stats & Info:

Meanwhile, Denver sports the 27th-ranked pass defense and hasn't faced a back quite like Lynch all season. That's hard to prepare for—just like the cold. The Seahawks are more adaptable and could jump out to a lead before giving some ground to Manning as the game progresses.

In the end, an edge in time of possession and superior defense will help bring Seattle's franchise its first NFL championship.